The United States and Saudi Arabia have carried out joint airstrikes against Iran-backed militants in Iraq following a series of recent drone attacks targeting American troops and Saudi energy infrastructure.
The operation, confirmed on Tuesday by the US Central Command (CENTCOM), targeted what it described as Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)-directed militant groups allegedly responsible for attacks on US military personnel and key Saudi oil facilities.
In a statement shared on social media, CENTCOM warned that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and their allied proxy groups must halt further attacks or risk additional military action.
“The IRGC and its proxies must cease their assaults to avoid further US military operations,” the command said.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence also confirmed its participation in the operation, stating that Saudi warplanes struck militia positions linked to recent drone attacks on the kingdom’s eastern oil infrastructure.
According to Saudi authorities, the strikes were carried out in response to repeated threats against the country’s strategic energy facilities and followed recent efforts by its air defence systems to intercept and destroy several drones targeting critical installations.
The military action came shortly after Riyadh urged the Iraqi government to prevent armed groups from using Iraqi territory to launch attacks against Saudi Arabia.
The joint operation also followed the interception of multiple Iranian ballistic missiles fired at US military bases across the Middle East, further escalating tensions in the region.
The latest strikes underscore growing security concerns over the activities of Iran-backed militias and highlight the continued military cooperation between Washington and Riyadh in addressing regional threats.
